2013-14 Post-Crescent Media Academic All-Stars

The 15 students chosen for recognition as Post-Crescent Media’s 2014 Academic All-Stars have their sights set on ambitious goals. Three hope to become physicians, while another wants to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. One hopes to study neuroscience, while others will focus on engineering, chemistry, music, business and astronomy. Teachers, school administrators and community leaders believe these young men and women have the character and drive to accomplish their goals and leave their mark on the world. Meet the 2014 Academic All-Stars:

John Ahn | Appleton East High School

Being a member of the Appleton East High School debate team helped John Ahn find his passion for policy.

His experiences on the team helped spur his decision to pursue a career in policymaking.

“We oftentimes address topics of policymaking and view the duties of the government from a hypothetical perspective,” he said. “I would love nothing more than to apply political theory to the real world and make a difference.”

Other defining moments: “The achievement I am most proud of was winning the state tournament in extemporaneous speaking last year. My category requires hours of research on current events, such as political uprisings and the economic health of our country.”

Learning highlights: Close friends from East High School helped Ahn decide to attend a liberal arts college. “They have oftentimes talked about the intellectual curiosity that overflows in the liberal arts college setting. Although academics are important, people tend to focus more on finding their passions or becoming intellectually well-rounded individuals.”

Plans: Williams College; biology and political science. Hopes to work for the government.

Alexandrea Brooks | Winneconne High School

Volunteering at a local hospital cemented Alex Brooks’ belief in a career as a physician’s assistant. She likes the hospital atmosphere, how helpful people are and being able to comfort people.

Just last week, Brooks walked a woman up to the delivery room to have her baby.

“Later that night she invited me up to see her baby,” Brooks said. “I like that — making a quick connection with someone.”

Other defining moments: “I will be attending the National Youth Science Camp this summer in West Virginia. Only two candidates from each state are selected to go, so it is an honor to get the chance to attend.”

Learning highlights: “Volunteering at a hospital and being engaged with others has really influenced my decision to pursue a career within the medical field. Also, my teachers have gone above and beyond nominating me for different medical camps and other leadership camps that have influenced my future plans.”

Plans: Marquette University; biomedical science. Hopes to become physician’s assistant and someday work for Doctors Without Borders.

Leslie Franczek | Hilbert High School

It was Leslie Franczek’s older brother, Elliot, who helped foster her love of physics.

“He encouraged me to take more demanding science classes at school and that's when I became hooked on physics,” she said.

She decided to pursue a career in engineering because it combines two of her favorite subjects: physics and math.

Other defining moments: “I am most proud of being the valedictorian of my class. I am very involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities, so balancing everything throughout high school has been challenging.”

Learning highlights: “My older brother, Elliot, has been an inspiration to me. He always strives to be the best he can be which, in turn, motivates me to work hard at everything I do. He is completing his sophomore year in college this spring and has attained a 4.0 GPA throughout his two years … He’ll put others concerns before his own ... He’s not just my big brother; he is my mentor and friend.”

Kiya Govek | Appleton North High School

Govek was a lab assistant during advanced placement chemistry and enjoyed the work. “Sometimes stuff doesn’t always work out the way you want, but troubleshooting is fun,” she said.

Her interest in computer science started during a summer camp where she learned to code. While it was hard work, she found it rewarding and enjoyed the unique variations in programs.

Other defining moments: “I’m most proud of my work at (Summer Science Program at Purdue University Calumet). That is what has influenced my future plans the most. It made me realize how intriguing astronomy is and introduced me to computer science, a field that cultivates the logical thinking, which I value so much.”

Learning highlights: Govek is proud of earning an orange belt in krav maga and a second-degree black belt in karate.

Plans: Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. Chemistry or computer science. Hopes to attend graduate school and use computer science in chemical research or astronomy-related applications.

Thomas Hameister | Neenah High School

Life is all about the numbers for Thomas Hameister. He said teacher Rich Frost helped him grow in his love for math.

Frost introduced him to many new opportunities, “from contests to accelerated classes to extra problems just for fun, that have helped grow both my ability and interest in math.”

Hameister will study mathematics in college, and plans to attend graduate school and later conduct research.

Other defining moments: “My parents encouraged me to explore all the opportunities I have had in high school and they have given me the support I needed to discover and pursue my passions.”

Learning highlights: Hameister said his proudest achievement is earning the Van Vleck Scholarship through UW-Madison’s Mathematics, Science and Engineering Talent Search. The scholarship represents the top academic award offered to a student in mathematics. “To me, it means a lot. I looked up to the winners of this competition since my freshman year, and now I am fortunate enough to join them.”

Plans: UW-Madison; mamatics and biochemistry. Hopes to attend graduate school and earn a doctorate. Ultimately, wants to be in a research role.

Michael Hermsen | Little Chute High School

After participating in the Medical Mentoring program last summer, Michael Hermsen knew he wanted to become an orthopedic surgeon.

“I was able to sit in on some incredible surgeries — such as a quadriceps repair, an Achilles’ tendon repair (and) some knew scopes — and saw how orthopedic surgeons normally interact with patients in a clinical setting,” he said.

Other defining moments: “Winning soccer regionals two years in a row, both years against Winneconne, being named a National Merit Commended Scholar, getting a full ride to UW-Madison, and getting accepted to two Ivy League schools, UPenn and Cornell.”

Learning highlights: The Medical Mentoring program influenced Hermsen most in his decision to pursue a career in medicine.

Plans: UW-Madison; molecular biology and physics or mathematics. Intends to go to medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Bradley Lovell | Appleton North High School

To be of service to others, Bradley Lovell believes you have to understand how to help them so you can meet their needs.

He sees his future study of applied math with an emphasis in physical science as the most straightforward way to gain that understanding.

“I think it’s the most useful way of solving problems,” Lovell said.

Other defining moments: “I have been very fortunate to have had teachers who have inspired me and pushed me to reach my potential. My parents have also been very supportive and helped me stay focused on my academic goals.”

Learning highlights: “Having the honor of attending Badger Boys State was an experience that introduced me to new ideas of leadership and participation. Most importantly, I was encouraged to think of myself as part of a community and to consider all the different roles I play in my life.”

Maralee Mindock | Fox Valley Lutheran High School

Music is Mara Mindock’s passion. After working with Lawrence University professor Howard Niblock, she realized she could pursue music as a career.

Mindock loves the creativity in music, the connections she’s made with other people through music, and the beauty of the art.

“There’s something special about when I play music, and when I hear other people play.”

Other defining moments: “The achievement I am most proud of is receiving the Exemplary Soloist Award at the Wisconsin State Music Association State Solo and Ensemble in May of 2013 for my oboe solo ... The Exemplary Solo Recognition Project recognized 433 truly exemplary soloists in 2013. I was also selected to perform at the Wisconsin State Music Association Exemplary Soloist Recital in Madison in October. Ten out of the 433 exemplary soloists were selected to perform at this recital.”

Learning highlights: “My current oboe teacher, Howard Niblock, professor at Lawrence University, has been the greatest influence on my career and college choice. He has shown me that I truly can pursue a career doing what I love most: playing and teaching music.”

Plans: Lawrence University, Appleton; music performance and music education. Hopes to attend graduate school and teach in her own studio.

Post-Crescent Media 2014 Academic All-Stars

High school seniors with stellar academic records, involvement in extracurricular activities, leadership and character can be found throughout the Fox Cities. For the past 27 years, Post-Crescent Media has recognized the top 15 as Academic All-Stars. High schools nominate graduating seniors for the recognition, and a panel of editors and community members narrows the nominees to 15.

Younis Zaidan, University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley, assistant professor of mathematics

Larry Gallup, Post-Crescent Media opinion editor

Dan Flannery, Post-Crescent Media executive editor

WHAT THE JUDGES LOOKED FOR

Academic record: A student with a high cumulative grade point average with consideration given to the difficulty, number and range of courses.

Extracurricular involvement: A student who puts skills and talents to good use at school through challenging activities such as debate, student council, sports or music.

Leadership: A student who exhibits a social conscience whether in church or the community through volunteering time to others.

Character: A student who shows qualities such as honesty, perseverance and compassion.

Gennevieve Mytton | New London High School

Jenna Mytton’s involvement with Distributive Education Clubs of America helped her decide to pursue a career in business. She had considered entering the healthcare field, but liked how broad business can be.

Mytton and two partners recently attended the DECA International Conference in Atlanta. They presented a public relations campaign, True Beauty, designed to help students improve their self-esteem and develop healthy relationships in and out of the classroom.

Mytton said the trio originally aimed the campaign at middle school girls. True Beauty encourages girls to get involved in school while being themselves. “We wanted to help girls realize they don’t have to worry —they don’t have to listen to the media or peer pressure.”

The campaign has since expanded to include curriculum for middle school boys through partnerships with Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs and Voices of Men.

Other defining moments: “I’m very proud to have been part of the 2013 Division II State Softball Championship team.”

Learning highlights: “I have been influenced the most by DECA. As I entered high school, I knew the adviser and was intrigued by what the club had to offer. As I got more and more involved, it led me to the decisions I made in regards to my career path.”

Plans: UW-Madison; business, marketing and Spanish communications. Hopes to attend graduate school to earn an administrative degree. Ultimately, operate a business and stay involved with DECA.

Michael Semanek | Xavier High School

Numbers make sense to Michael Semanek. His favorite classes are math and statistics, and he always knew he wanted a career that incorporated them.

Michael Semanek wants to become an actuary because it combines his love of math and statistics, while presenting him with new challenges each day. He’s also interested in business, which factors into actuarial work.

“I’ve always wanted a career that uses math and can also involve the business side of things. It’s also a situation where I have new problems to solve every day.”

Other defining moments: “I am most proud of being able to play on the Xavier soccer team for four years. After having two foot surgeries and being on crutches my entire eighth-grade year, I was always worried I wouldn’t be able to play.”

Learning highlights: “The experiences I’ve had in my four years of math league have definitely had a huge impact on my decision to major in mathematics.”

Plans: University of Notre Dame; applied and computational mathematics and statistics, with a minor in actuarial science. Hopes to earn a master’s of business administration degree and become an actuary.

Joshua Shelley | Appleton West High School

Mysteries of space always fascinated Joshua Shelley, but it wasn’t until he read two books by Stephen Hawking, the theoretical physicist, that he realized he could turn his interest into a career.

“The visually appealing side of space interested me at first, but math opened up the door,” Shelley said.

He likes the fact that so much about space is still unknown.

Other defining moments: “I am most proud of maintaining my 4.0 grade point average throughout high school. It has required a level of commitment and perseverance that has undoubtedly made me into a more hard-working and conscientious individual than I would have been had I taken an easier path through the last four years.”

Learning highlights: “Stephen Hawking has been a huge factor in determining my interest in astronomy. More specifically, his books “On the Shoulders of Giants” and “A Brief History of Time” have inspired a fascination with space and time which was almost entirely superficial just a year or two ago.”

Plans: UW-Madison; physics with an emphasis in astronomy. Hopes to attend graduate school to obtain a doctorate in astronomy, and ultimately conduct research and become a professor.

Neha Siddiqui | Appleton North High School

It’s Neha Siddiqui’s parents who made the greatest impact on her. “They have pushed me, supported me and inspired me since I was a child, and when I think of what I want to achieve I first look to them.”

Their advice guides Siddiqui, who said she’s learned the hard way that, more often than not, her parents know best.

“There have been times when I’ve asked everybody’s advice, and the times I don’t take my parents advice, things fall apart,” she said.

Other defining moments: Siddiqui, who plans to pursue a career in the medical field, said she made her decision after consulting her father, who is also a physician. He told her how he chose to go into medicine instead of engineering because of the excellent medical care his father and other relatives received. “It’s a decision he never regretted, and I see that.”

Learning highlights: “I was especially proud to be part of the Womens’ Fund Girls Grantmaking Group the past couple of years. We put a lot of grant money to use to help girls in the Fox Cities.”

Emily Terlap | Neenah High School

When trying to decide between pediatrics and oncology as a career, Emily Terlap considered several factors, including her empathy, being able to talk to patients and experiences her relatives have had. She chose oncology.

“I know oncology is a very sad profession, but I hope to be the type of doctor who can be a guide and a supporter as my patients undergo massive amounts of treatments,” she said. “I know I will be able to go the extra mile to make my patients feel like they really are a top priority and that I am trying to do my best to understand their individual situations.”

Other defining moments: “I am most proud to have served as a captain of the 2014 Neenah Girls Swim and Dive Team. I was chosen for this honor by my peers, and I loved being a leader of such an amazing team.”

Learning highlights: “I have been fortunate to have several teachers take an interest in me in and out of the classroom. Rich Frost, Dianne Pacolt and Diane Underhill are three teachers who helped me foster a love for math and science. Outside of the classroom, Carrie Raeth and Aaron Hoffmann gave me opportunities to grow as a leader. I am very grateful for their guidance...”

Plans: Terlap plans to attend UW-Madison in the fall to study biology. She hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in oncology.

Parker Thome | Hortonville High School

Leaving the comforts of home for the big city can be daunting, but not for Parker Thome. He will attend Columbia University in New York City, where he will punt for the football team.

Allison Thome said her son is ready for the new challenge and to spread his wings. His family will be one of the few things Parker misses about home.

“My mom, who works tremendously hard to prepare me for school, who goes out her way in everything she does for me. My dad, always a big fan, kind of quiet in the stands for sports, but he’s always supported me. And my brother because he’s just a huge goofball and is probably the one person who can always make me laugh.”

Other defining moments: “The achievement that I am most proud of is being accepted to Columbia University, as it is a culmination of all my efforts in the classroom, in music ensembles and on the football field.”

Learning highlights: “My involvement in various music and athletic organizations has had the greatest influence on my plans for college. Whether on stage with the school jazz ensemble or in center field for the baseball team, I have had to assume a role as a leader and be confident in my performances. I plan on translating this confidence into my studies and football experiences at Columbia University.”

Mikele Weldon | Appleton West High School

Mental illness is something Kelly Weldon hopes to help people with in the future. She said she’s always been interested in the field because her father is a substance abuse counselor.

She plans to study neuroscience.

“I want to help people with mental illness, and to focus on the brain is one way to do that,” she said.

Other defining moments: “I am most proud of myself for my ability to push through obstacles. High school has been very busy, and on numerous occasions I’ve wanted to ease up on my obligations. I’m grateful that I’ve had the strength to accomplish all that I’ve done in high school.”

Learning highlights: “My parents have been very influential in my post-high school plans. They haven’t pushed me into any career choice, but they’ve made me realize that it’s important to do things for other people. I hope to help people in my future and change lives with my career.”